Tehran - BORNA - According to the Financial Times, citing informed sources, Zelensky held phone calls with European leaders on Saturday ahead of his high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Zelensky reportedly noted that while he does not expect Russia to drop its maximalist demands or immediately agree to Ukraine’s peace initiatives, he wants Washington to focus on increasing pressure on Moscow.
The Ukrainian President's proposal involves a reciprocal withdrawal of forces to create a demilitarized zone. In exchange, Kyiv is demanding "credible security guarantees" that clearly outline the specific actions allies would take if Moscow violates the peace again.
Security, Territory, and the Zaporizhzhia Plant
The sources added that Zelensky is seeking guaranteed sustainable funding for Ukraine’s armed forces, air defense support, and a European military presence within Ukraine. On the sensitive issue of territory, he informed European leaders that Kyiv could only agree to ceding occupied lands if a referendum is held under peaceful and secure conditions.
Furthermore, Zelensky has proposed placing the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant—currently near the frontline—under international control, with the electricity produced being shared between both sides.
Moscow’s Stance and the Trump Peace Plan
The Kremlin has previously signaled that it would reject amendments to the original peace framework drafted by the Trump team last autumn. Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on Saturday that the West is offering Kyiv "good basic conditions for guaranteeing Ukraine’s security in the long-term historical perspective," which includes restoring ties with Russia and the Ukrainian economy. However, Putin warned that if Ukraine rejects these terms, Russia will achieve its objectives on the battlefield.
The Florida Summit
The meeting between Zelensky and Trump is scheduled for 1:00 PM Eastern Time at Mar-a-Lago. The talks aim to bridge the gaps in the initial 28-point peace plan proposed by Trump last month, which Ukraine has since revised into a 20-point counter-proposal.
U.S. officials have described "significant progress" in the peace efforts, with one official claiming that "90 percent of the agreement's terms have been settled." The current U.S. initiative reportedly includes:
The meeting follows an intensive one-hour call between Zelensky and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s advisor Jared Kushner, signaling that negotiations have reached an advanced stage.
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